As a landscape consultant, one of my main pieces of advice is to find the best business in your area and hire them. Having the proper training and experience is crucial, and a solid portfolio of previous work can help you get noticed. Pick a firm whose services cover more than just a nice design of your garden; they should also do topographical and structural assessments if necessary. The landscaper has to be able to see complete section drawings and detail in the designs to fully comprehend what they are doing and how.

It is also crucial to carefully organize the planting, watering, and lighting.

Which paving materials do you have available?

While the designer is free to choose whatever paving material they see fit, they should keep in mind the context of the project and the existing architecture. Natural stone has a kinder impact on the environment, is more biophilic, and seems warmer than porcelain to me. We would always strive to utilize in-stock materials whenever possible, even if the project called for natural stone. There will be a three-month lead time and the price might be up to three times that of a regular stock item if you need a bespoke size.

Do many people make the same mistakes?

The design phase is often not given the attention it deserves. In fact, it's the backbone of every building endeavor. The design establishes the parameters for what must be created and the specifics of its composition. You wouldn't hire a builder and not consult an Architect before constructing a new home, would you?

Is there a more cost-effective way to construct this?

Value engineering is a phrase used in the business world to describe the resulting cost reductions. Remember that this in no way implies slacking off on the construction of your project; rather, it emphasizes the need of doing everything well. Using a standard size and less expensive material is the simple solution, but it virtually contradicts the purpose of hiring a designer in the first place. In your garden, you should not follow the herd, but rather, you should create your own unique style. In addition, this is something that may be worked with by designers that make good use of common materials.

Do you recommend decking?

Decking is ideal for a sloping landscape, which is the only practical solution. First, you'll want to think about the foundation if you're set on having a paved terrace. Building atop concrete slabs, constructing retaining walls, moving tons of material, and putting in a lot of labor all go into making this possible. In contrast, you may have your decking patio finished by the time the foundation is done.

The budget for most gardens will be heavily influenced by the materials used in the design.

Avoid cutting corners here.

The Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) should be your initial point of contact, since its members are the most qualified to provide sound guidance. In order to become a member, one must already be working in the sector, possess the necessary skills and experience, and comply with all relevant laws, bylaws, and Health & Safety standards. They are also inspected by other parties to ensure quality, so hiring the appropriate business will save you time and money.

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